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Journal: What Unloved Car Do You Secretly Want?

What Unloved Car Do You Secretly Want?

By
April 1, 2013
90 comments

My friends don’t get it—they think I’m kidding, and when they realize I’m serious, they laugh. What do they know? I want a first-generation Fiat Panda. Yes, the boxy little thing from the ‘80s. I hear the 4X4 version is quite indestructible, too. I want that, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. It’s just too bad we can’t import them to the US.

– – –

Now we’d love to hear from you. What unloved car do you secretly want?

Photo Sources: Production Cars and Wikipedia

Tags Fiat Panda/ Question/ Unloved Car
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Luiz Ribeiro
Luiz Ribeiro
6 years ago

Always wanted to buy a brazilian Fiat Tempra Turbo .

0
NS21
NS21
6 years ago

Subaru Leone / Loyale US Spec. And especially Japan spec. Leone Station Wagon. Even now for me this both cars like breath-taking geishas

0
NS21
NS21
6 years ago
Reply to  NS21

Here

1
Daniel Koenig
Daniel Koenig
6 years ago

Panda – wow. I once had a girlfriend that had a white one with open top. It was some football (soccer) related limited edition.
I own a Lotus Elite 75, probably one of the most unloved cars ever – but I love it 🙂
From later cars, I would love to own a Nissan Cube. I really would buy one if only it had a decent engine instead of the Nissan Micra underpinning.
From older cars, I’d love to have a Maserati Biturbo, a Morris Marina or an Alfa Arna .

0
Emanuel Derta
Emanuel Derta
6 years ago

Dacia 1410 Sport, long door.

0
Tolga Iskir
Tolga Iskir
6 years ago

VW Porsche 914

-1
Tolga Iskir
Tolga Iskir
6 years ago

NSU Ro80

1
Tolga
Tolga
6 years ago

The Alfa 6.

0
Michael Kelley
Michael Kelley
6 years ago

I always liked the Subaru Justy 4×4.

2
Herculano Alonso
Herculano Alonso
6 years ago

Ferrari Mondial

4
Carlos Ferreira
Carlos Ferreira
6 years ago

The first gen Panda is hardly unloved. They’re sought after all over Europe. On a trip last year I was surprised by how many are still circulating, and most in very good shape, with evidence of fresh paint, upholstery, etc.

3
Mohammad Akbarpour
Mohammad Akbarpour
6 years ago

I wished to drive a K car! Those funky boxy wheels you could only find in Japan

3
Sharp Classics
Sharp Classics
6 years ago

This is something cool that catches my attention. In childhood I want to stole my dad’s Alfa GTV which was the collect classic car in USA at that time. Now I secretly want to buy this one.

0
MarcDucheine
MarcDucheine
6 years ago

Ah, that’s interesting one. I must admit there are a few.I first contemplated this question when I saw the running gag of Top Gear’s antics with the Morris Marina which would always somehow end up with a grand piano on its roof (and destroyed in the proces). I remmeber thinking that I never partuculatly hated the Morris Marina and even its smaller sibling from the same stable, the Austin Allegro had its (design)merits in my eyes. However, having never driven them myself I can’t speak for their driving characteristics.

But on to the question: I’m afraid that I always had a thing for the spectacularly unsuccessful Talbot Tagora. If that doesn’t ring a bell, here it is:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/576/22367683496_23387949ce.jpg
and the back:
comment image
In my wildly imaginative dream it looks like a Maserati Quattroporte (series 3) especially from the back and I thought that just by rplacing the oddly small wheels with some bigger diameter (and wider) Wolfrace rims to fill out the arches I would have my bargain “Quattroporte”.

Never had the guts yet to do it though…

0
sstaiger
sstaiger
6 years ago

Panda 4×4 Sisley, 1987.
Can import those here in Germany.

-1
Carlos Ferreira
Carlos Ferreira
6 years ago

Puzzled by the image of a first gen Fiat Panda when they were immensely commercially successful and loved, and have a huge cult cfollowing.

1
Alfa Guy
Alfa Guy
7 years ago

Autech Stelvio. Im probably the only one who thinks that that car looks awesome.

3
Daniel Koenig
Daniel Koenig
6 years ago
Reply to  Alfa Guy

never heard of that one – first look, I thought: ”ZAGATO!” Love the design, but your comment is a bit unfair… Did we say anything about prototypes? I thought it was about cars you can actually buy 😉

0
William Moon
William Moon
7 years ago

Ssangyong Korando. Great name. Mercedes turbo diesel. Korean styling mash up. I want one.

3
gio64
gio64
7 years ago

Would have to be a Dodge Neon DOHC Coupe from 1997. Had one. Would have another any day.
As far as the Panda goes, back in Italy, my mom had 2. the “30” (650 cc) and later on, the 750 Fire (750 cc). They were great for what they were designed, but horrible for anything else, LOL… Don’t you dare push it on the highway or try to drive it around mountain bands at high speeds… Don’t ask me how I know… But I can indeed vouch for the 4×4. Indestructible, but also, it can go anywhere no matter what you place in between it and the destination. Snow, ice, mud, you name it.

1
Tom
Tom
7 years ago
Reply to  gio64

I had a 98 Neon DOHC. Got it vaguely intending to do some SCCA races, but never got around to it. Probably a good thing though, what a POS that car was. Don’t get me wrong, it was a fun little car especially considering the initial cost, it just leaked like a sieve.

I gave it up after only six years when the head gasket needed replacing for the THIRD time and radiator and power steering were both leaking, after just having replaced the brake cylinder because of leaks. All seal or gasket failures, not due to rust or physical damage or anything. Dodge had a serious problem keeping fluids where they’re supposed to be!

0
gio64
gio64
7 years ago
Reply to  gio64

Sounds like you had a pretty bad experience. I had the following problems: the air eventually broke and I didn’t bother replacing it, since I used it probably 10 days a year; the head gasket was done under warranty and never had a problem again; IIRC, the head gasket was replaced with a “multilayer gasket” and that was a problem solver I can attest to that because my wife too had the same model Neon (4 dr) and the same “intervention” was performed and we never had that problem again on that car either. I also had a crank position sensor crapping on me. The last problem was that the dealer installed block heater broke and leaked coolant out. This wasn’t a problem with the car, but rather with the installation. So I had 3 issues, 2 of which came up out of warranty (crank ps and air). I never felt its reliability was bad. But maybe it’s because I have owned an Audi A4 1.8t Quattro and have had to do so many repairs to that car that in comparison, the Neon was Japanese level reliability…

0
Ib Erik Soderblom
Ib Erik Soderblom
10 years ago

I’m so much on the same page!
The secret page, that I don’t tell anybody about.
But I want a 1986 – 2003, and give it a First Gen. front. The “aircon” front…

0
Mihai Oprean
Mihai Oprean
10 years ago

Never liked the panda when i was a kid, by the way. Now i’m not so sure…

1
mrnagrom
mrnagrom
11 years ago

I secretly want a maluch, fiat 126p and a duzy fiat 125p. I love old commie cars.

0
Rip Curl
Rip Curl
11 years ago

For me it would have to be the Innocenti DeTomaso Turbo. I got crazy excited about getting one in high school despite the fact they would rust in the dealership and had a Japanese engine on an Italian car. Cooler heads prevailed and I never got the car but I still think it very cool.

0
Leonardo Brito
Leonardo Brito
11 years ago

I want a Peugeot Hoggar… not the concept car of the same name, but the small brazilian pick-up truck

Ironic: my family owns a Peugeot dealership and i NEVER had the proper chance to buy one…

0
Horaţiu Lazăr
Horaţiu Lazăr
11 years ago

Dacia Pick-up, known by the locals (Romanians) as the Dacia Păpuc (shoe). The only brand new car that my family ever owned

1
Samer Kanjo
Samer Kanjo
11 years ago

I would love to get a Trabant. Daring v-belt design, more trunk space than a Ferrari Testarossa. I could go Pro Street. You can see more pictures at [url=”http://www.club24.sk/trabant/”]Club 24[/url].

1
Chris Saddler Sam
Chris Saddler Sam
11 years ago

Ford Taunus TC (mk1…1970-76)
it was our family car for 20+ years (since before i was born)…
AND I JUST LOVE IT!

we had the sedan version…
but i’d also like the 2door one! (not the coupe)

too bad my dad gave it away..for nothing…
sooner or later, one of these beauties will be back in our family again!
😉

1
moltimedia
moltimedia
11 years ago

Secretly? I owned 2 Fiat Panda’s 😀
The last one almost as a classic. I bought it with the excuse for my doughters that just got their driving license but ended up driving it with a big grinnnn 🙂
I added some stylish striping and with the factory widerish wheels it looked great. And don’t forget the hood scoop. Guigaro would have liked it!
Very nice car and practical, 1000 cc engine, fuel injection and a 5 speed! Still love them, thank you Fiat!

[IMG]http://i1356.photobucket.com/albums/q737/moltimedia/FiatPanda1000CLX1_zps9bdbe6b0.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1356.photobucket.com/albums/q737/moltimedia/FiatPanda1000CLX_zps30b179fa.jpg[/IMG]

-1
ronnie
ronnie
11 years ago

I have a huge soft spot for the Subaru Vivio.

It is so light, airy and cheerfull. The 4 cyl 660 cc engine is a real screamer. I have had more fun in this car, than in any other rental, ever.

[IMG]http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h139/reymondos/vivio1.jpg[/IMG]

0
John Teyssier
John Teyssier
11 years ago

UMM ALTER Turbo (União Metalo-Mecânica)

If you your do things on a budget(like me) and want a tough all-rounder but can’t afford a Defender. Go for this Portugese 4×4.
Sold for years to the French army, (prototype initially design by a French company then sold to Portugese)it has a Peugeot engine, it’s known to be tough, fun and its cheap to run.

The looks? Well…..very questionable. Lets put it that way, I hate it as much as I love it! Depending if I am in a good mood that day.
I think it is a good base to built something unique. With the right colour and a few modifications, it can really look good! (………….I think?!?!?!)

Paris-Dakar here I come!

1
Ryley Bastian
Ryley Bastian
11 years ago

I own a Bugeye WRX, those aren’t very loved. (As sad as that is to me.)

0
tapz
tapz
11 years ago

70 Series Toyota Starlet. Overlooked because generic FWD shopper, BUT: being an ’80s Toyota, it’s indestructible. It barely even rusts. Better yet, these things had no distracting amenities or power assisted anything, plus very, very lightweight = agile, hands-on, grinning driving.

0
Leucea Alexandru
Leucea Alexandru
11 years ago

Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. Mk1 (1985 – 1993)

3
SteveD
SteveD
11 years ago

I love the Moretti 4×4 version, was called Rock. It’s extremely rare.

1
Andy Gondorf
Andy Gondorf
11 years ago

Mazda xedos 6 for the engine.
Jag x-type for the body.
Pantera for the acoustics.

0
Davis Kinzell
Davis Kinzell
11 years ago

Within my group of car friends, the 94-96 Chevrolet Impala SS is an unloved car. I just wish the glut of them for sale on Craigslist weren’t overpriced by original owners or “donked” beyond salvation.
My European pick would be the Fiat 124 Spider. I kick myself for letting my parents sell off their example that I learned to drive stick on.

0
Josh Clason
Josh Clason
11 years ago
Reply to  Davis Kinzell

I saw one of these roll down the street in stock form not less than an hour ago. I then immediately went to Craigslist.

0
Robert Avera
Robert Avera
11 years ago

Early 70’s Chevrolet Vega

0
Hans Marvell
Hans Marvell
11 years ago

Well Since 1998 when I first saw one on a Suzuki forecourt I really wanted a Wagon R+. I first thought it was delivery van or an oven!! 15 years later and I am the proud owner of a 2005 model. It makes no sense to you guys, but its the best car for driving round Copenhagen where I live and people always let me out of side roads or parking spaces because they think I am a sweet old pensioner. With amazing luggage capacity, everything from 2 seater sofas to bikes to a complete flea market stall can be packed into it. Performance is … errr…. well sluggish, but comfortable. its only a bit larger than a new Fiat 500 but seats 4 tall adults in comfort and it gets into tiny parking places and narrow streets. My dad had a Renault 4, Austin Allegro and Morris Marina – so yes, your individual car taste is an inherited disease 😉

0
BJ Barker
BJ Barker
11 years ago

Always wanted an E70 Corolla Wagon.

0
Johannes Roussel
Johannes Roussel
11 years ago

Speaking of the Panda. I love the very first version with the front made of steel. This car was built with economy in mind and like the 2CV, it’s a masterpiece. In the same style I think the first generation of Renault Twingo is also a milestone.

0
Johannes Roussel
Johannes Roussel
11 years ago

AMC Pacer…

1
tobiasvemmenby
tobiasvemmenby
7 years ago
Reply to  Johannes Roussel

That’s a great way to sell a Pacer! ?

0
Máté Petrány
Máté Petrány
11 years ago

1985 Autobianchi A112 LX.

1
Garrett Hammerel
Garrett Hammerel
11 years ago

Gotta be the Ford EXP. Nothing cooler that a FWD 2-seater, right? RIGHT???

1
Josh Clason
Josh Clason
11 years ago
Reply to  Garrett Hammerel

I say go for it.

0
Matthew Diaz
Matthew Diaz
11 years ago

Even though they’re utterly unreliable and dangerous, even by TVR standards, a TVR 450SEC. They just look like so much fun, and the power omg

0
Andy Gondorf
Andy Gondorf
11 years ago
Reply to  Matthew Diaz

No TVR is unloved!
Not by anyone with even a modicum of taste anyway. Something you have in quantity obviously.

0
Manuel Tolentino
Manuel Tolentino
11 years ago

Merkur Xr4ti. Let me love you.

1
senor
senor
11 years ago

Volvo 480.

5
Frazer Spowart
Frazer Spowart
11 years ago

If I’m honest, I’ve always secretly wanted a Lada Riva. An utterly terrible soviet car, but I still want one! For some reason I find its bare bones design and aesthetic rather interesting!

1
Gerard Kassabian
Gerard Kassabian
11 years ago

Citroen 2cv – slow and ugly to some, but not to me! 😉

0
Afshin Behnia
Afshin Behnia
11 years ago
Reply to  Gerard Kassabian

The ride is so smooth you could get a shave with a straight edge while driving off-road!

0
brian777
brian777
11 years ago

Subaru SVX!

0
Alan Franklin
Alan Franklin
11 years ago
Reply to  brian777

Those in the know love ’em, the rest are tasteless peons!

0
Tim Halstead
Tim Halstead
11 years ago

My sick little fantasy is a highly customized AMC Pacer, with upgraded power-plant and tasteful body mods.

(Good example attached.)

0

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